X-Ray

An X-ray is a quick, painless imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body, especially bones. X-rays are one of the most common and oldest forms of medical imaging, used to diagnose and monitor many conditions.

X-rays work by passing radiation through your body. Dense structures like bones absorb more radiation and appear white on the X-ray image, while less dense tissues like muscles and organs appear in shades of gray, and air appears black.

X-rays are used to:

Bones and Joints:

• Detect fractures (broken bones)
• Check for dislocations
• Evaluate arthritis
• Check bone alignment
• Monitor healing
• Detect bone infections or tumors

Chest:

• Check for pneumonia
• Evaluate heart size
• Check for collapsed lung
• Detect fluid in lungs
• Screen for lung cancer
• Check for other lung conditions

Other Uses:

• Dental X-rays
• Abdominal X-rays
• Mammography (breast X-ray)
• Other specialized X-rays

Usually minimal preparation:

• You may need to remove jewelry
• Remove clothing from area being X-rayed
• May need to change into gown
• Remove metal objects

Before the Test:

• Inform staff if you might be pregnant
• Tell staff about recent contrast studies
• Follow specific instructions for your test
• May need to fast (for some abdominal X-rays)

Important: Always inform staff if you might be pregnant, as radiation can harm a developing fetus.

During the Test:

1. You'll be positioned by the technologist
2. You may need to hold still
3. May need to hold breath briefly (for chest X-rays)
4. Technologist goes behind protective barrier
5. X-ray machine takes picture
6. Usually takes just seconds
7. May need multiple views/positions

The Process:

• Completely painless
• Very quick (seconds)
• You'll hear a beep or click
• May need to reposition
• Usually takes 10-15 minutes total

After the Test:

• No restrictions
• Can resume normal activities immediately
• Results usually available in 1-2 days
• Doctor will discuss results

Normal Results:

• No abnormalities found
• Structures appear normal
• No fractures or other problems

Abnormal Findings:

• Fractures: Broken bones visible
• Infections: Signs of infection
• Tumors: Masses or growths
• Other conditions: As appropriate
• Doctor will explain findings

Follow-up:

• Depends on findings
• May need additional tests
• May need treatment
• Doctor will recommend next steps

X-rays are generally very safe:

• Uses small amount of radiation
• Benefits usually outweigh risks
• Modern equipment minimizes radiation
• Technologists use protective measures

Radiation Exposure:

• Very low for most X-rays
• Similar to background radiation exposure
• Cumulative exposure over lifetime
• Pregnant women need special consideration

Protection:

• Lead aprons used when possible
• Technologists behind barriers
• Only necessary X-rays performed
• Modern equipment reduces exposure

• Questions about results
• Concerns after X-ray
• Need for follow-up
• Questions about findings

• Review results with doctor
• Discuss findings
• Follow recommendations
• Continue treatment if needed

Pregnancy:

• X-rays avoided if possible during pregnancy
• Always inform staff if might be pregnant
• Lead shielding used if X-ray necessary
• Benefits vs. risks considered

Children:

• Lower radiation doses used
• Special techniques for children
• Parents may stay with child
• Child-friendly approach

No. X-rays are completely painless. You just need to hold still for a few seconds while the picture is taken.

The amount varies by type of X-ray, but most use very small amounts of radiation—similar to the amount you'd get from background radiation over a few days to months.

X-rays are generally avoided during pregnancy, especially early pregnancy. However, if medically necessary, precautions are taken. Always inform staff if you might be pregnant.

Most X-ray results are available within 1-2 days. Some urgent cases may be read immediately. Your doctor will discuss results with you.

Yes, X-rays are generally very safe when used appropriately. The radiation dose is low, and modern equipment minimizes exposure. The benefits of diagnosis usually far outweigh the small risk from radiation.